Student Enrollment

Current student body demographics and enrollment patterns at Central Lakes College-Brainerd

Brainerd, MN

Total Enrollment

8,611

Currently enrolled students

Program Options

76

76 career programs

Full-Time Students

4,796

8,611 part-time

Total FTE

2,511

Full-time equivalent students

What Is the Student Body Size?

Training Capacity & Scale

Large
Major vocational institution
8,611
Total Students
Size compared to other trade colleges:
200 1K 2K 5K+
Program Diversity 76
High diversity
~113 students per program
Training Capacity
High
Can handle large cohorts across multiple programs
Market Position
Major Player
Among largest trade schools nationally
Resource Level
Extensive
Multiple campuses, labs, and equipment

What This Means

Central Lakes College-Brainerd operates as a large trade college with 8,611 students across 76 career programs. This size typically offers extensive resources, diverse program options, and comprehensive career services.

With 8,611 students, Central Lakes College-Brainerd is a large vocational institution offering diverse career training programs and extensive facilities. The school offers 76 specialized career programs designed for immediate workforce entry.

How Do Students Attend?

Attendance Status Distribution

Full-Time Students 4,796 (35.8%)
35.8%
Part-Time Students 8,611 (64.2%)
64.2%
Total Students 13,407

Majority part-time students (64.2%), serving working professionals and those with other commitments.

Full-Time
Part-Time

Students are split between full-time (55.7%) and part-time attendance, reflecting flexible scheduling for working professionals.

Who Are the Students?

Student Demographics

Gender Distribution

Gender Split
Women
58.6%
5,046 students
Men
41.4%
3,565 students

Race/Ethnicity Distribution

Primary Ethnic Group
White
81.8%
7,047 students
White
81.8% (7,047)
Hispanic/Latino
3.4% (297)
Two or More Races
3.3% (286)
Black/African American
2.8% (242)
American Indian/Alaska Native
0.8% (69)
Asian
0.8% (67)
International Students
0.1% (10)

Demographics Summary

Gender: Balanced gender distribution across 8,611 students

Largest Ethnic Group: White students make up 82% of the student body (7,047 students)

The student body reflects diverse backgrounds and demographics.

Interested in Academic Quality & Learning Environment?

Explore retention rates, student-faculty ratios, distance education options, and academic intensity on our dedicated Academics page.

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How Are Students Distributed by Level?

Undergraduate students

13,407 students

45% Men, 55% Women
4,796 Full-time
Diversity Index: 31% • Minority Students: 8%

What Are the Attendance Patterns?

Full-Time Students

All Full-Time

1,501
All full-time students
728 men, 773 women
Diversity: 28%

FT Undergraduate

1,501
Full-time undergraduate
728 men, 773 women
Diversity: 28%

FT Degree-Seeking

897
Full-time degree/certificate-seeking
512 men, 385 women
Diversity: 31%

FT First-Time

388
Full-time first-time students
260 men, 128 women
Diversity: 29%

FT Continuing

509
Full-time continuing students
252 men, 257 women
Diversity: 32%

Part-Time Students

All Students

4,532
All students total
1,923 men, 2,609 women
Diversity: 32%

Transfer

246
Transfer-in students
95 men, 151 women
Diversity: 40%

Continuing

787
Continuing students
319 men, 468 women
Diversity: 32%

Non-Degree

3,046
Non-degree/certificate-seeking
1,228 men, 1,818 women
Diversity: 31%

Understanding Student Categories

First-Time: Students starting their first postsecondary program

Continuing: Students who previously enrolled and are returning

Transfer: Students who transferred from other institutions

Degree-Seeking: Students enrolled in certificate or degree programs

Non-Degree: Students taking courses without pursuing a formal credential

What Is the Diversity Picture?

Undergraduate students

11,073
White
420
Black/African American
451
Hispanic/Latino
95
Asian
22
International
Diversity Index: 31% Minority Students: 8%

Want to See Student Success & Outcomes?

Explore completion rates, transfer patterns, and detailed 8-year student outcome tracking on our dedicated Student Outcomes page.

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Student Life & Campus Experience

Diverse Student Community

Students from various backgrounds come together to learn career-focused skills in a supportive environment.

Flexible Scheduling

Many students balance work and family commitments with their studies through part-time and evening programs.

Career-Focused Learning

Students are goal-oriented, seeking practical skills and credentials that lead directly to employment opportunities.

AI-generated illustration of diverse students on a college campus with enrollment statistics, charts showing student demographics, attendance patterns, and campus life activities

Key Takeaways About Central Lakes College-Brainerd's Student Body

Training Environment: Large vocational institution with 8,611 students offering extensive career programs and state-of-the-art facilities.
Study Patterns: Mix of full-time (55.7%) and part-time students accommodating various schedules.
Academic Intensity: 2,511 FTE students indicates flexible scheduling accommodating working students.
Learning Format: Traditional in-person education with online components for flexibility.
Student Diversity: Growing diversity with students from various backgrounds and experiences.
Learning Environment: Students benefit from career-focused education with hands-on training, experienced instructors, and support services designed to help them achieve their professional goals.
Community: The student body includes diverse learners from various backgrounds, creating a rich learning environment where students can network and learn from each other's experiences.

Contact Information

Address

501 West College Drive

Brainerd, MN 56401-3900

Student Success

The student body at trade colleges often includes:

  • • Working adults seeking career changes
  • • Recent high school graduates
  • • Military veterans using education benefits
  • • Students upgrading skills in their field
  • • Individuals seeking fast-track credentials